Barfoot & Thompson Whangaparoa Techno and RS-X Nationals. Day 1

Gusty and shifty conditions challenged the Techno and RS:X sailors on day one of the Barfoot & Thompson Whangaparoa Nationals.

Manly Sailing Club are the host again. Again we have an international fleet. Two RS:X Koreans, seven New Caledonians and the current South American Techno Champion from Brazil.

Olympic sailor and coach Bruce Kendall was on the water the day after his recent induction into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. He is giving coaching advice to the Techno sailors and observing the youth RS:X. He said the variety of wind with the south westerly was good for the sailors. A real test of sub planning, railing (centreboard down) and finning (centre board up) weather. He has been pleased with the improvement with many of the new sailors. Some at the start of the season needed rescuing in 15 kts are now fully planning and even leading some races for short periods.

Yachting NZ and in Particular Ian Neeley needs thanks for all the support windsurfing has received this season. Bruce Kendall has been a real motivator to the group. Ian was watching the fleet racing. He sees the potential and also recognises there is still work to do. He is confident the group can get there. Especially as there is such a strong Techno Fleet of new comers.

There has also been a handful of Formula racing. From saturday a contingent of Slalom sailors will race too.